Thanks so much to the organisers for a great race - I have NEVER known so many marshalls out before and they all gave wonderful support.

Im interested in anybody's views as to how tough the course was ? - and in particular, how a minutes per mile time here would relate to London Marathon ??? - If I did 8 mins per mile at tHanet should I aim for the same at London, faster ofr slower ? - Its obviosly further at London, but less hills hopefully less wind, and more support so Im not sure !!!

The last word on course distance - as received from Hugh Jones - Secretary of AIMS -

Dear David,

I measured the course myself. The reason that no record of this exists yet is because the measurement was finally done only very shortly before the race. I have a text report and a measurement map that I was unable to file with the South of England measurement secretary Mike Sandford before leaving to come to Rio de Janeiro for the world half marathon championships to be held this Sunday. I will do so when I return. The documentation indicates the course to be accurate. I measured the course twice, six months apart, and found minimal diffences (apart from where distance was added in to make up to the required 21097.5m) Indeed, I measured some parts of the course three times, and all measurements were consistent. I do not accept the accusation that it was 0.3 miles too long. What is the basis for such an accusation?

I have previously encountered such protestations from people who wear GPS devices, but these measure where the runner runs, and no-one except perhaps the lead runner can get close to the ¨shortest possible route¨(a theoretical construct) that is the basis of what is measured. Some years ago runners in the London Half Marathon at Silverstone also estimated the course to be 0.3 miles overdistance, but it had also been subject to the same sort of rigorous measurement procedure. I do not know what I can do further (beyond lodging the report on my return) so that people can be reassure d that the distance was accurate.

Regards,

Hugh Jones

So at least the distance is correct, if they can get the start, baggage reclaim, mile markers t-shirts/goody bags. music and the finish sorted we should have a half decent race !

having just about recovered from the edissapointment of Run to the Beat I've decided to give up the Big Races and try a bit of XC in the Kent Fitness League for a change!

I just need a bit of advice on shoes - i've got some Walshes for orienteering that I love to bits but quite fancy the idea of getting some spikes. I am a bit at a loss to decide what to get - many years ago Walsh did a XC Spike which seems to be discontinued but that's the sort of thing i want.

as I've got Asics road shoes I thought of maybe going for Asics Hyper XC, but any suggestions welcome.